Whether you call him Fido or Fluffy, whether he's little or large, your dog is your best friend. You love him like a member of your family, and you should treat him as such. He requires routine vet care including vaccinations from a vet like one at the Jane Animal Hospital, serving Toronto, Ontario and the surrounding region.
Importance of Canine Vaccines
Canine vaccines protect against illnesses dogs are susceptible to. When you vaccinate your pup, you protect him from developing serious, sometimes even life-threatening, conditions. Vaccines work by the vet inputting a small amount of a disease into the bloodstream of your pet. It's not a strong enough form of the disease to cause any serious complications in most cases. The pet's immune system works to fight the infection, which builds up a defense system against the disease if your pet should ever come in contact with it in the future. Many vaccinations require boosters, so your pet maintains immunity to the disease. Keep in mind, you're not only protecting your pet from disease, you're protecting yourself and family from contracting a zoonotic disease as well.
Canine Vaccinations
You want to start getting canine vaccinations as soon as possible because your pet is very susceptible to diseases as a puppy due to an immune system that isn't fully developed. Typically, we begin your pet's vaccinations when he is at least eight weeks of age.
Two types of vaccinations exist: core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are ones recommended for all pooches while non-core vaccines are only recommended for some dogs based upon their lifestyle.
Core vaccines include the following:
Rabies - Rabies is a viral infection that causes swelling in the brain that result in death, usually in a matter of days of acquiring the disease. Once your pet has it, there isn't much a veterinarian can do to prevent complications.
Distemper - Distemper classifies as a highly contagious, neurological, viral disease. In some cases, it's fatal.
Parvovirus - Parvovirus, also known as parvo, is a contagious disease that results in death in approximately 80 percent of all cases. The virus causes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and fever. Dehydration is possible as well.
Leptospirosis or Canine Hepatitis - Leptospirosis, also called canine hepatitis, is a bacterial infection that causes symptoms like muscle pain and headaches. As it progresses, it attacks the kidneys. It's possible for leptospirosis to cause death.
Non-core vaccines include the following:
Lyme Disease - Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can lead to symptoms of arthritis. In some cases, paralysis or death is possible.
Bordetella - Bordetella is known as "kennel cough." This respiratory infection is contagious, but the vaccine is only recommended for pets who stay in boarding facilities or who come in contact with other pets.
Parainfluenza - Parainfluenza is basically the dog version of the flu. It's a viral respiratory infection that causes cold-like symptoms in dogs.
Adenovirus - The adenovirus is a respiratory virus that causes symptoms that range in severity from the common cold to pneumonia.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Toronto Veterinarian
To schedule an appointment for canine vaccines from a veterinarian at Jane Animal Hospital, serving Toronto, Ontario and the surrounding region, contact us today at (416) 762-5558. We'll devise a vaccination schedule tailored to your pet's size, medical history and lifestyle.
Puppy Vaccinations
Puppy Vaccinations Are a Critical Part of Healthcare from the Jane Animal Hospital
Having a new puppy is exciting. They are full of life and energy. They provide unconditional love to everyone around them. We can see why so many people in the Toronto area love having a puppy in the home. At the same time, it is important for every puppy owner to make sure that their furry friend has a reliable veterinarian. At Jane Animal Hospital, we strive to be that service. We want to make sure that everyone is familiar with the responsibilities that come with owning a puppy. One of these responsibilities has to do with puppy vaccinations. There are a few important points that everyone should keep in mind.
Common Puppy Vaccinations
At the Jane Animal Hospital, we stick to a vaccination schedule. The goal of this schedule is to get every puppy vaccinated as quickly and as safely as possible. We space out the vaccinations to an acceptable window to keep your puppy comfortable, while also getting him or her vaccinated in a timely manner. Some of the common vaccinations that we are going to provide include:
- Vaccines against Distemper, Kennel Cough, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza Virus (often, this is a single shot to minimize the number of injections)
- Vaccinations against certain forms of influenza
- Vaccines against Lyme Disease, which is transmitted by ticks and can be deadly
- Vaccines against Leptospirosis, which can cause a serious respiratory illness
- Vaccines against rabies
Some of these vaccines, such as for rabies, may require more than one injection over the course of a few months. Other vaccines may require a booster shot to maintain potency. We will discuss all of these issues with you when you come to see us.
Addressing Questions and Concerns
At Jane Animal Hospital, we know that many of our families are going to have questions when it comes to shots and vaccines. Our veterinarian would be happy to address these. Please know that vaccines are safe and effective. Not only do they keep your puppy safe, but they keep other animals and people safe as well. We watch all of our pets very closely to make sure they do not have a serious reaction. If they do, we are right here to address it as quickly as possible.
Call Jane Animal Hospital Today to Make an Appointment for Your Puppy
At Jane Animal Hospital, we are honored to provide high-quality healthcare to every puppy who comes to see us in Toronto. We would be happy to provide care to your puppy as well. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, please call us today at (416) 762-5558 to make an appointment.
